"I still can't say if any player is ahead of the others," head coach Riley Wallace said. "It's like different players step up during different situations. But what I like is that we're progressing."

The team was split in half for three different scrimmages — complete with referees calling fouls and violations. The first two scrimmages lasted 20 minutes; the third was 10 minutes.

The teams were switched around for each scrimmage.

"I wanted to see how the different combinations worked together," Wallace said.

Forward Julian Sensley, the lone returning starter from last season's 21-12 team, showed that he may be the only player with a secure starting spot so far this season. The 6-foot-9 junior had team highs of 29 points and 13 rebounds in the three combined scrimmages.

"I was very satisfied," he said. "Once we all get on the same page, we're definitely going to be a good team because we have a lot of talent and depth."

Sensley also had the highlight of the day with a ferocious dunk after driving through the middle of the defense.

Senior shooting guard Jake Sottos was one of the surprising standouts with 22 points. He shot 6 of 14 from 3-point range, and nearly completed a statistical triple-double by adding 10 assists and eight rebounds.

"This is my last year, so I just want to go in there and be a leader and hopefully get that starting position," said Sottos, who saw limited action as a reserve last season.

If anything, the competition at the shooting guard spot should be exciting all season.

Sophomores Bobby Nash and Matt Gibson — the two players battling with Sottos — also had strong showings yesterday. Nash had 18 points; Gibson scored 20.

The 'Bows have one more week to prepare for their first exhibition game of the season, next Sunday against Hawai'i-Hilo.

"By this time next week, we should be OK because we're getting better every day," said forward recruit Matt Gipson, who had 15 points and six rebounds. "We have the talent, it's just a matter of putting it all together."

Among other players, forward Jeff Blackett had 18 points and nine rebounds; point guard Deonte Tatum had seven points, six rebounds and two assists; point guard Kris Groce had 10 points, eight assists and six rebounds; center Milos Zivanovic had 13 points and seven rebounds; center Chris Botez had 12 points and six rebounds.

Senior Peciukas returns to practice

Forward Vaidotas Peciukas returned to practice this weekend, and got limited action in yesterday's scrimmage.

The 6-6 senior from Lithuania has missed the past three weeks of practice because of a torn ligament in the medial collateral ligament of his right knee.

"I just need to get back in shape," he said. "I was just sitting on the side, watching practice all this time, so I wanted to come back as soon as possible."

NOTES

Walk-ons Ryan Schmidt and Brandon Matano will redshirt this season. Both players will practice with the team, but will not suit up for games.